DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A grand “Youm-e-Tashakur” (Thanksgiving Day) event was held at the Dera Press Club to commemorate the recent “shining success” of the Pakistan Armed Forces and their robust and effective response to Indian aggression. A large number of journalists and political and social figures participated, paying tribute to the armed forces and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.
The event commenced with a solidarity walk, where journalists and citizens, holding green and white national flags, demonstrated their patriotism. The air resonated with slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long Live Pakistan) and “Pak Fauj Zindabad” (Long Live Pakistan Army). The Thanksgiving ceremony was presided over by Dera Press Club President Muhammad Yasin Qureshi. Senior journalists including Saeedullah Marwat, Naveed Sultan, Muhammad Rehan, Abul Moazzam Tarabi, Iqbal Bhatti, Shafqat Sarhadi, Usman Awan, Majid Barki, and Mohsin Saleem Baloch, among other local journalists, actively participated. Political and social leaders present included Qamar Muhammad Ramzan (District President, Pakistan Markazi Muslim League), Advocate Chaudhry Muhammad Shafiq (Nazim, Peoples Party), Abid Pannu (Nazim, Tehreek-e-Insaf), Tariq Bhatni (President, APCA), and Shahid Raj (Member, Peace Committee).
Addressing the gathering, speakers stated that the Pakistan Armed Forces have once again proven to be the guarantors of the country’s defense and a highly professional force that meets the nation’s expectations. They recalled that on May 6-7, the Indian army targeted civilian populations in Azad Kashmir, resulting in the martyrdom of innocent civilians, including women and children. However, the Pakistan Armed Forces demonstrated restraint and delivered a timely and “tooth-breaking” response. Speakers praised “Operation Bunyan-e-Marsous,” led by General Syed Asim Munir, as a decisive action that foiled enemy designs, forcing them to retreat within hours. They termed it not just a military victory but also a diplomatic, media, psychological, and emotional defeat for India, witnessed and acknowledged by the world. The role of the Pakistan Air Force was also highly lauded for successfully defending the country’s airspace with professional skill and timely actions, sending a clear message that Pakistan is fully prepared and united on all fronts.
The event concluded with special prayers for national security, and for Kashmiris and Palestinians. Participants expressed their resolve that the entire nation will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Pakistan Armed Forces in the face of any threat to the beloved homeland, always upholding a great example of national unity and cohesion.